Debao Star Anise

Debao Star Anise

　　Star anise, also known as eight-corner spice, is one of the famous local specialties of Debao in Baise. In the *Compendium of Materia Medica* by Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty, it is written: "Star anise belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, and is also found in the river valleys of the Left and Right Rivers in Guangxi." The entire star anise tree is valuable—its fruits, leaves, and tender branches can all be used to produce oil, making them premium raw materials for high-end fragrances and flavorings. In the food industry, it can be used to prepare sweet wines, beers, chewing gum, spiced cakes, and as a seasoning for dishes. In light industry, it is used to manufacture high-end perfumes, soaps, toothpaste, cosmetics, and more. The world-renowned Parisian perfumes of France have long featured star anise as a key ingredient.

　　Geographical Environment

　　Debao County in Baise is located on the foothills of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, where the temperature difference between day and night is not significant, and the annual average temperature is around 19°C. It enjoys the reputation of being a “natural air conditioner” where “midsummer heat goes unnoticed.” It is also known as the “hometown of star anise oil.” If you have the chance to visit Debao County, you will not only be greeted by the refreshing aroma of pure star anise but also learn about the poignant and storied history of star anise production.

　　Historical Development

　　In 1935, Debao County, known as the “hometown of star anise oil,” was a major base for exporting star anise oil to Europe and America. After the Japanese invasion of China, exports of star anise oil dropped significantly. By the 1940s, sales had nearly ceased, star anise cultivation was abandoned, and heartbroken farmers tearfully cut down their star anise trees to plant rice instead. After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, the Party’s policies for enriching the people gave hope to the people of Debao. Star anise cultivation rapidly developed, and today, the star anise planting area in Debao County alone has reached nearly one million mu. High-quality star anise oil, attractive yields, and favorable investment policies have successively attracted businesses and scholars from France, the UK, the US, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, and other countries to invest in and build factories in Debao.

　　Background Information

　　The star anise tree is a unique evergreen tree species in China. Its fruit has a distinctive gear-like shape, with each fruit made up of seven to nine follicles, most commonly eight—hence the name “eight-corner.”

　　Characteristics: Star anise can be harvested twice a year. Fresh fruit is pale green, and when dried, it turns brownish-red. The autumn harvest is called “big red star anise,” which features plump fruits and high yield, making it the top grade. The spring harvest is called “four-season fruit,” which has lower yield and quality. Fruits that are not harvested in time and dry naturally after ripening are called “dry branch star anise,” which have lower commercial quality but higher oil content. High-quality star anise should have a brownish-red, bright, and glossy color, large and full grains, visible seams (wide cracks along the edges of the follicles, allowing the seeds inside to be seen), and be intact without breakage.

　　Benefits: It aids digestion, reduces flatulence, dispels cold, expels parasites, and stimulates the nervous system. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica* by Li Shizhen, star anise is effective in treating conditions such as urinary and bowel blockages, heavy and stabbing sensations in the lower back, sinking Qi in the lower abdomen, and bladder hernia pain.